Album insights
Through her new album "Water," Hélène Grimaud eloquently showcases how many composers worldwide, across various styles and eras, have been inspired by the captivating vitality and strength of water while composing their pieces. Playing works by Berio, Takemitsu, Fauré, Ravel, Albéniz, Liszt, Janáček, and Debussy on the piano keys, the French pianist breathes life into water droplets, sparking collaborations with artists like Douglas Gordon and Nitin Sawhney. Nitin Sawhney, an acclaimed composer, producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist, composed seven transitional pieces to unite the tracks on "Water" and oversaw the album's production. Impressed by Hélène Grimaud's musical endeavors, Scottish artist Douglas Gordon joined forces with her to create the installation "tears become … streams become…" at the Wade Thompson Drill Hall within the New York Park Avenue Armory. Surrounded by an expanse of water in near darkness, Grimaud performed live on the piano, showcasing the "Water" album.